Overview
- Belarus’s president signed a law that bans so-called propaganda of homosexual relations, gender reassignment, childlessness, and pedophilia.
- The text defines propaganda as “appealing” information intended to shape perceptions, a vague standard that allows officials wide leeway.
- Violations can bring fines for people and organizations, and minors can face fines, community service, or short administrative detention.
- Seven UN human rights experts urged Belarus to review the measure, and Human Rights Watch said it echoes Russian crackdowns used to mute activists.
- Local LGBTQ+ groups expect more raids, surveillance, and harassment, and survey data show most queer people do not trust police protection or report attacks.